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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, has concluded a successful visit to the United States capital for talks about the Canada–U.S. energy relationship. Minister Oliver met with his counterpart, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, as well as White House officials and congressional representatives to discuss the importance of deepening Canada’s energy relationship with the U.S. and supporting the transition toward a lower-carbon economy through cooperation under the Clean Energy Dialogue.

"Canada is a safe, stable and secure supplier of energy to the United States," said Minister Oliver. "Our Government continues to work with the U.S. on developing a coordinated approach to advance our environmental objectives while ensuring energy security."

The Minister engaged in dialogue on shared energy interests and the challenges facing both countries’ energy sectors in a changing global environment. Minister Oliver reinforced that a strong bilateral relationship is a priority for the Government of Canada and is vital to energy security and economic growth in both countries.

Canada is the United States’ largest and most secure supplier of energy. In 2010, Canada exported $93.75 billion in energy, with virtually all of it going to the United States. Canada has the third-largest reserves of crude oil in the world and has access to approximately 174 billion barrels of oil - 97 percent of these reserves are found in the oil sands. Over the next 25 years, the development of Canada’s oil sands is expected to add several hundred billion dollars to the United States’ GDP and create hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs.

The Government of Canada and provincial governments, along with industry and academia, are making investments in technology to achieve a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Since February 2009, Canada has worked closely with the U.S. through the Clean Energy Dialogue and is continuing to collaborate with the U.S. in securing the energy future of both countries through a diverse mix of energy sources, technology and innovation.

The Government of Canada has developed a broad suite of policies and programs to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 - a target aligned with that of the United States.

As both countries continue to adopt initiatives and actions that move them toward a lower-carbon economy, collaboration will be key to sustained energy security and economic growth for the U.S. and Canada.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver concluded a visit to the U.S. for talks about energy resources in Canada. Minister Oliver delivered a clear message to national energy leaders in Washington, D.C. - Canada is the largest overall supplier of crude oil to the U.S., focused on clean energy collaboration - and this secure source is right next door.